Before attending law school, Professor Slattery spent more than a decade as a performer and music industry professional, working in the United States and the United Kingdom. After law school, he combined his expertise and education into a thriving art and entertainment law practice. Throughout his time as an attorney, Professor Slattery also taught substantive courses in copyright, moral rights, publicity rights, trademark, employment, contract and business law to artists, musicians, authors and filmmakers, including engagements with California Lawyers for the Arts and the University of Southern California. Today, Professor Slattery blends his artistic background, legal experience and formal study of rhetoric in his teaching, research and service to the community.

Since joining the TJSL faculty in 2007, he has participated in a number of panels, published articles focusing on art and entertainment issues, and served on the boards of local arts organizations. In 2012, Professor Slattery launched the Art & Entertainment Law Project, a clinical program where students provide pro-bono legal services to individuals, organizations, and small businesses involved with the arts. His scholarly pursuits tend toward intersections of art and the law, with a present focus on developments in public art and the public domain. In addition, Professor Slattery has a deep interest in educational theory and learning-centered research.